preternatural

adjective

pre·​ter·​nat·​u·​ral ˌprē-tər-ˈna-chə-rəl How to pronounce preternatural (audio)
-ˈnach-rəl,
pre-
1
: existing outside of nature
2
: exceeding what is natural or regular : extraordinary
wits trained to preternatural acuteness by the debatesG. L. Dickinson
3
: inexplicable by ordinary means
especially : psychic
preternatural phenomena
preternaturally
ˌprē-tər-ˈna-chə-rə-lē How to pronounce preternatural (audio)
-ˈnach-rə-
-ˈna-chər-
pre-
adverb
preternaturalness noun

Did you know?

Preternatural derives from the Latin phrase praeter naturam, which means "beyond nature." Medieval Latin scholars rendered the term as praeternaturalis, and that form inspired the modern English version. Unusual things are sometimes considered positive and sometimes negative, and throughout its history preternatural has been used to refer to both exceptionally good things and unnaturally evil ones. In its earliest documented uses in the 1500s, it tended to emphasize the strange, ominous, or foreboding, but by the 1700s, people were using it more benignly to refer to fascinating supernatural (or even heavenly) phenomena. Nowadays, people regularly use it to describe the remarkable abilities of exceptional humans.

Examples of preternatural in a Sentence

She has a preternatural ability to charm people. There was a preternatural quiet in the house.
Recent Examples on the Web But that is the power of Buteau’s ebullient charisma, which telegraphs to audiences that her preternatural comic rhythm and dolled-up, side-eye style of delivery are in service of being a warmhearted bestie. Melena Ryzik, New York Times, 27 May 2024 The sunny-but-heavy riffing, preternatural hookiness and spiky sense of humor that defines a lot of the Breeders’ signature work – particularly on 1993 masterpiece Last Splash, the band’s commercial breakthrough – can be traced to Rodrigo’s own crackling pop-rock blasts. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preternatural 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preternatural.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin praeternaturalis, from Latin praeter naturam beyond nature

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preternatural was in 1580

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Dictionary Entries Near preternatural

Cite this Entry

“Preternatural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preternatural. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

preternatural

adjective
pre·​ter·​nat·​u·​ral ˌprēt-ər-ˈnach(-ə)-rəl How to pronounce preternatural (audio)
: beyond what is natural : unable to be explained by ordinary means
preternaturally
-ˈnach(-ə)-rə-lē How to pronounce preternatural (audio)
-ˈnach-ər-lē
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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